A group of Burnham-On-Sea traders who have been campaigning to get a set of “ugly” recycling bins moved away from the town’s only coach park are celebrating this week.
Somerset Waste Partnership confirmed on Tuesday (September 15th) that the recycling facilities in the Pier Street car park are to be moved to the nearby Lynton Road car park instead.
The news follows a campaign by the Chamber of Trade to encourage more coach firms to use the parking bays at the rear of Morrisons.
The group says bringing more visitors and shoppers into the town centre will help boost Burnham’s economy.
Chamber of Trade Chairman Geoff Shickle told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Tuesday evening: “Sanity has prevailed – to have these ugly recycling bins located here was absolutely ridiculous. They are the first thing that visitors see when they step off coaches and the last thing they see when they leave.”
“We’re very pleased the bins are being moved. This is a step forwards in encouraging more coach visitors and shoppers into the town centre.”
Mark Blaker from Somerset Waste Partnership confirmed: “The Lynton Road facility is to be adapted to take recycling from the Pier Street car park. We’re currently working on a feasability study and intend to move the recycling banks in October or November.”
The Chamber of Trade’s Louise Parkin and Sonya Fudge, pictured above, oversaw the launch of the campaign earlier this year, as reported in January.
Louise told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m really pleased – this is a step that will help Burnham’s economy in the longer run if the coach visitors return again.”
The news comes amid growing concern among traders about the number of trippers who visit out-of-town areas, such as Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll, instead of Burnham.
We also reported in May that the Chamber is considering launching a new voucher scheme to further encourage coach drivers back into the town.
Pictured (top) are the Chamber of Trade’s Chairman Geoff Shickle, Deputy Chairman Tom Ashton, Jonathan Walter and Rhonda Mills; and (above) Chamber members Louise Parkin and Sonya Fudge
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade
